DEBO ADEOYE, IBADAN
The Chieftain of the ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC in Oyo State, ASIWAJU ROTIMI AJANAKU has condemned what he described as unnecessary desperation of some of the contestants in the Oyo NUJ Elections slated for Wednesday 18th December 2019.
Ajanaku who stated this in Ibadan on Monday while address journalists on effects of desperation of politicians on the development of Nigeria.
Ajanaku said: “I felt so bad when I heard of what is going on in my state on NUJ elections. Why writing over eight petitions on election of the state council of NUJ, approaching court to stop a candidate or stop election, these are nonsense, unacceptable. What are the journalists selling to the public, does it means there’s much money to embezzle as an executive of NUJ or what?
“Why the desperation, is it to serve the union. I think we politicians should also call on efcc and icpc to investigate Oyo NuJ Council purse.
“These people should know that only God could make a leader, hence the need for them to shun desperation in their quest for political offices during elections.
AJANAKU noted that corruption is the major factor responsible for Nigeria’s problems.
He called on the Government to sustain the fight against corruption for a virile nation.
He said, “Desperation in politics is because people don’t know God, what is happening today in Oyo NUJ is improper and must be arrested now before people begin to seek after rivals lives.
“ I pray the fear of God enters their hearts, they should allow God to take pre-eminence in their activities so as not to end it in disaster,” he stated
“Only God can give leaders, no need for desperation. Corruption is the brain behind political desperation and we all must contribute effort to stop it.. Corruption is everywhere. Anti-corruption war is better than before, the government is trying because it is not easy to please Nigerians. Even God who created us cannot satisfy everybody”.
Accordingly to Ajanaku, ” it would have been thought that the two candidates for the chairmanship position would have shrugged off the disappointment of the screening exercise experienced by them and returned to campaigning to sway delegates to their sides and encourage massive turnout on Wednesday 18th 2019.
“ It would also have been thought that with the peace meeting organized by the screening committee chairman one would have expected both parties to display high sense of responsibility.
AJANAKU pointed out that the concept that politics should be free and fair in Nigeria should not be difficult again, considering the sacrifice made by the past president, DR. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN.
“I’m so surprised Nigeria is still experiencing violence, malpractices, and other vices during elections in spite of the sacrifices made by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
“We should realise that all the contestants during an election cannot all win; the loser would definitely feel cheated and disgruntled because of the time and money vested in the pursuit for power.
“Politics is not easy and often times, human behaviour and desperation of politicians can upset the balance.
He pleaded with the national body of the Union to rescue the state council from bringing the glory of the pen family to disrepute.
“It’s better for the national to take fully charge of the election process to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
“The state council cannot be trusted with any aspect of the election again since both the current chairman and secretary are seeking re-election.
“Even when they have a good mind, no one will trust their words nor that of any committee constituted by them” AJANAKU opined.
He therefore appeals to journalists to ensure they discharge their responsibilities to their great union with fear of harassment or molestation.
“I therefore call on journalists in the state to put the pressure they have been subjected to in the past one month behind them and troop out on Wednesday to elect the right candidates who possess quality to take the union to the next level of advancement to rival their counterparts in developed countries,” AJANAKU concluded
